A look back on 2013's biggest PR moments

Picture via blog.search-mojo

Happy New Year, everyone! Today marks the first day of 2014 and I am very excited for all that it has in store. Our chapter has already grown so much these past few years and I feel that success will only continue in 2014. This year was not only a big one for the Marist PRSSA Chapter, but for the PR industry as a whole. Therefore, I thought that it would be interesting to reflect on what PRWeek is calling "the most popular stories of 2013".

The first big story comes from an announcement made by the USPS of the switch from a six- to five-day mail-delivery schedule. The newly updated five-day website will be accompanied by a heavy PR push and is set to go into effect on August 5. All packages and prescription drugs will continue to be delivered six-days a week. The switch is predicted to save the USPS $2 billion annually. To read more about this story, click here.

The death of PR pioneer and founder of Edelman, Daniel J. Edelma rocked the PR world. Edelman passed away at age 92 from heart failure. He began his career as a reporter in Poughkeepsie, New York (fun fact!) and went on to found Edelman in 1952 in Chicago. Edelman was a great man and an inspiration to all. His work ethic and values are highly regarded by all and he will certainly be missed. To read the full story, click here.

Ketchum was accused of aiding Vladimir Putin in the composition of a controversial op-ed piece. However, the firm denied this and stated that they had only pitched his piece, not written it. Instances like these are interesting because it is a situation filled with blurred lines and can be used as a reference for future situations. To read the full story, click here.    

Edelman's VP of crisis and issues, Errol Cockfield, is reportedly helping Adam Lanza's father, Peter Lanza, deal with the media following the shootings in Newtown. I was not aware that organizations such as Edelman take on these types of clients, but I have to say that it does make a lot of sense. There is some controversy regarding this relationship, however, and the entire situation is rather secretive. To read the full story, click here.

 

Additionally, Chobani lost a few of their communications employees due to "refocusing" and Blue Cross Blue Shield launched an effort to educate uninsured consumers on the new Affordable Care Act. Finally, Dove's Real Beauty Sketches received a lot of praise and recognition at Cannes and was given two Gold Lions for Best Use of Social Media and Best Integrated Campaign Led by PR. All in all, it is undeniable that 2013 was filled with huge PR moments and I am excited to see what awaits us in 2014!